Distro Pics

Maybe you should get in the business of making these for other dj's who need them? I know I'd buy one, as long as I knew how to hook it up at the location.

Will

That is a very nice looking "briefcase distro", and I agree with the other response... many of us are looking for a well-built solution like this. Don't suppose you'd care to share the builder's contact info???

I am curious, with such short bare tails coming out, what are you plugging or tying into? I expected to see a range plug type of connector, popular in the small club circuit, or else as you mentioned possibly some small camlocks that would connect to a feeder with multiple plug-in/tye in options depending on the venue....

Nice work, though! Thanks for sharing.

Hey guys,
not trying to rain on the fun- but as a DJ and licensed electrician I can see many things wrong with the pictures above. First, the receptacles are not "isolated" in the sense of an isolated ground receptacle- but maybe you meant isolated as they are on seperate circuit breakers.
I also see some 10 gauge wire between the CB box and the outlet boxes- hopefully it is just for extra heavy-dutiness and not on a 30 amp breaker.
I have rack case in which I have mounted 2 of the Furman power distro units
http://www.furmansound.com/pro/power_dstrbtn/powerdist1.htm

This is a simple, UL listed unit having (5) 20 amp magnetic breakers (as opposed to inverse time breakers commonly used) each with a spec-grade 20 amp duplex receptacle on the rear. There is a green "on" light next to each breaker for easy at-a-glance checking of on/off. The ACD-100 can be fitted directly with a cord (6 guage min) and mounted in a rack with 2-spaces available. Great deal in an amp-rack so you can plug the amps right in with no ext. cords.
The furman unit is about $450- built to last and rack mountable.

I have a rack-enclosure above the 2 Furmans from where they are fed power. The enclosure contains a volt meter and an amp meter per phase. This way I can see how much power I am using and the voltage always available. I have a 15ft tail of Type W cord to tie to a nearby disconnect.

If no disconnect is readily available, I extend on to the cord with a 100 ft of cord. I have a box with compression lugs inside for splicing the cords.

Cost to make- about $2000.

As a note- whether legal in your area or not, and whether you carry insurance for your services or not- ALWAYS hire an electrician to connect your box. It will cost less if you call ahead and have it planned. It could save you some serious lawsuits and your own equipment if you are not totally comfortable with electrical panels and wiring.

I'm not comin' down on everyone, but as a DJ and electrician, I see a lot of "creative" wiring that, while functional, isn't safe.

Peace All

Dan
Stage 1 Sound DJ
Minnesota

Dan gave some solid advice. Tuckersound, I must say I am impressed, as I have never attempted to make one myself. I have too limited of an "Electricians" background to try it. Now "Electronics" on the other hand I will take apart, build or repair just about anything.

Dan the wattman - thanks for the solid advice. I certainly agree about any sort of distro that "ties into" any panel should never be attempted by an amateur.

Do you have any pics of your distro setup? Sounds pretty slick. Unfortunately, $2k is a bit steep, but I have seen the Furman ACD-100 for $400-$500 range which isn't unthinkable. How do you handle the situation where some venues have the older style 3-pin "dryer" or "range" outlet (two hots + neutral) veruss the newer 4-pin with the ground, too? Occasionally, some venues have a 4-pin twist that contains two hots, neutral and ground for two circuits... seems like you'd need a bunch of custom pigtails and adapters.... !??!!

Mike-
Well, it does get to be a bit of a custom job each time. I change ends on the cord if I have to. I have 4-prong plugs and 3 prong for the 50 amp 125/250 volt receptacles with me. I only terminate the green to the ground on the 4-pole plugs, and when I encounter the 3-prong "old range" style I use an L-70 lug (set-screw hole for the wire, and an "eye" for bolting it to things) and bolt the lug to the metal box that the outlet is usually installed in. The metal box is usually right near a panel or attached to the metal conduit in the place, which is grounded.
Otherwise- I just terminate my cord (red/black) to a 2-pole breaker, and run the green and white to the appropriate places right in their breaker panels. It's easier than ***king with those plugs which are just plain difficult to work with.

I have a few decent pics of my distro rack, but I am doing a wedding dance Sat. 7/10/04, so I will get out the digital cam and get some nice shots and e-mail them to ya. It's too much work to access it right now in my trailer without my roadies. (always ask for help on moving heavy stuff, even if you can move the equipment yourself- your back will thank you)

Later guys-

Dan
Stage 1 Sound DJ
Minnesota